Protective device and method for use

ABSTRACT

One exemplary embodiment of the protective device includes first and second ear protectors that oppose each other, and a visor. The first and second ear protectors and the visor can be connected to a base portion. The first and second ear protectors, visor and base portion can be adjustable and removable. The first and second ear protectors and visor can also be made of a heat resistant washable material. The protective device protects a user from heat and irritation due to the use of the heat generating devices, chemicals, and the like styling products and/or devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/690,514 filed on Jun. 15, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A substantial industry exists that is devoted to treating and styling hair. Typically, one receives such treatments at hair salons, at home, etc. During such treatments, heat cosmetology instruments, chemicals and styling products may be used.

SUMMARY

While heat generating cosmetology instruments are effective in styling hair, the excessive heat from these devices may burn or irritate the user, such as the user's face, for example. The excessive heat generated by some heat cosmetology instruments, such as a hooded hair dryer, for example, may cause hot air burns and discomfort to a user's head, and adjacent areas.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide protection to vulnerable areas of a user, such a user's forehead, eyes, and ears, from excessive heat generated by heat cosmetology instruments and from the use of chemicals, gels, hair spray, or the like products and/or devices used to style hair.

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to a protective device that protects a user's face, forehead and/or ears from excessive heat, chemicals, and the like. In particular, exemplary embodiments may provide protection from heat generating cosmetology instruments used to style a user's hair.

This protective device may be structured to be worn while the user's hair is being styled by heat cosmetology instruments. One exemplary embodiment of the protective device includes first and second ear protector devices that oppose each other, and a visor. The first and second ear protector devices and the visor can be connected to a base portion. The first and second ear protector devices, visor and base portion can be adjustable and removable. The first and second ear protector devices and visor can be made of a heat resistant washable material.

The base portion can be adjustable so that the device can fit various users' heads. For example, the first and second ear protector devices and visor can be adjustable along the base portion so that the device can be tailored to fit different sized heads.

The first and second ear protector devices and visor can also be easily removed to enable them to be washed and/or to tailored to the user, to enhance the protection of the vulnerable areas of a user from excessive heat generated by heat cosmetology instruments.

For example, by manufacturing the first and second ear protector devices and visor from a heat resistant washable material, they can be easily washed and sanitized after being used. The heat resistant material also provides further protection of the vulnerable areas of the user from the excessive heat generated by heat cosmetology instruments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the heat protective device;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top view illustrating an embodiment of the heat protective device; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of attaching the heat protective device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It should be appreciated that the description of exemplary embodiments is for ease of understanding and familiarity only, and does not exclude other types of materials and fasteners, whether known or later developed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a heat protective device 10. The heat protective device 10 includes a base portion 12. The base portion 12 can include a first end 14 and a second end 18. The base portion 12 can also include a first ear fastener 24, a second ear fastener 26, and a visor fastener 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 12 can include a first fastening member 16 and a second fastening member 20. The first fastening member 16 can be coupled to the first end 14, and the second fastening member 20 can be coupled to the second end 18. For example, the first fastening member 16 can be attached to the second fastening member 20 for securing the base portion around the forehead of the user. The first fastening member 16 and the second fastening member 20 can be any fastening material for attaching to each other. For example, the fastening material of the first and second fastening members 16 and 20 can be made of a hook and loop tape fastener, such as, for example, a Velcro® brand fastener, or the like. However, the first fastening member 16 and second fastening member 20 are not limited to Velcro® brand fastener and can be any type of fastener, such as buttons, snaps, adhesive, etc.

The base portion 12 can be made of a washable material. The base portion 12 can be also be made of a heat resistant material. By making the base portion 12 of a heat resistant and washable material, the user can be protected from excessive heat and the base portion 12 can be washed after use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat protective device 10 can also include a visor device 32. The visor device 32 can be attached to base portion by the visor fastener 30. The visor fastener 30 can be coupled to the base portion 12 on the side opposing the first end 14 and the second end 18. Each of the visor device 32 and visor fastener 30 can also include any fastening material for attaching the visor device 32 to the visor fastener 30, and the visor fastener 30 to the base portion 12. For example, the fastener material of the visor device 32 and visor fastener 30 can be made of a Velcro® brand fastener or the like. However, the fastening material of the visor device 32 and visor fastener 30 are not be limited to Velcro® and can be any type of fastener, such as buttons, snaps, adhesive, etc.

The visor device 32 can be adjusted along the visor fastener 30 so that the visor 32 fits comfortably around the user's head and to provide a user protection against excessive heat to the face, eyes, nose, and mouth. The visor device 32 can also be removed to tailor the heat protective device 10 to the user to enhance protection of the user and/or to be washed after use.

The visor device 32 can be a crescent shape, or any other shape that will adequately protect the face of a user. The visor device 32 can be made of a heat resistant material. By providing the visor device 32 in a crescent shape, the vulnerable areas of the user, face, eyes, nose and mouth, can be protected from excessive heat, chemicals, and the like. For example, a user's eyes can be protected from becoming dry and irritated by the heat of, for example, a blow dryer.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat protective device 10 can also include a first ear protector device 24 and a second ear protector device 28. The first ear protector device 24 can be coupled to the first ear fastener 22, and the second ear protector device 28 can be coupled to the second ear fastener 26. The first ear fastener 22 can be coupled to the base portion 12 between the visor fastener 30 and the first end 14. The second ear fastener 26 can be coupled to the base portion 12 between the visor fastener 30 and the second end 18. The first ear fastener 22 and the second ear fastener 26 can be coupled to the base portion on opposing sides of the base portion 12.

The first ear protector device 24 and second ear protector device 28 can also include any fastening material to increase adhesion to the base portion 12. One or both of the first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 can be adjusted along the first and second ear fasteners 22 and 26, respectively, so that the ears of the user are covered and to provide a customized fit for the user. The first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 can also be removed to tailor the heat protective device 10 for protection of the user, and can be removed to be washed after use.

The first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 can be a crescent shape, or any other shape, that covers the ear. The first and second ear protector devices can also be made of a heat resistant material. By providing the first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 in a crescent shape, for example, the ears of a user can be sufficiently covered and still allow the surrounding hair to be styled. By making the first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 out of a heat resistant material, the ears of a user can be protected from excessive heat, chemicals and the like.

In use, for example, the base portion 12 is attached to a head of a user above the ears and is circular. The first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 are attached to the base portion 12, above the user's ears, and the visor device 32 is attached to the base portion along the width of the user's forehead.

However, the heat protective device 10 is not limited to the above features. For example, the heat protective device can also include a face shield and a neck shield. For example, a face shield can be attached to the base portion 12 by the visor fastener 30 for additional protection and coverage of the user's face, eyes, nose, and mouth. A neck shield can also be attached to the base portion 12 at the first end 14 and the second end 16 for additional protection and coverage of the user's neck.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart outlining an exemplary method attaching the heat protective device to the user. As shown at step S310, the base portion 12 is disposed around the user's head. The base portion 12 can be placed around the user's forehead, or at any comfortable place on the user where it may offer the user protection. The base portion 12 can be placed over or under the hair of the user, depending upon on how the hair of a user is being styled or how the device is being used. The first and second ear protective devices are disposed substantially adjacent to the user's ears, as shown at step 320. The visor is disposed substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the user's forehead, a shown at step S320.

The first and second ends 14 and 18 are fastened to each other around the head of the user with the first and second fastening members 16 and 20 of the base portion 12, as shown at step S340. The first and second ends 14 and 18 can be fastened and/or adjusted for the comfort of the user. Alternatively, instead of using the first and second ends 14 and 18, the base portion 12 can be an elastic type material such that the first and second ends 14 and 18 and/or the first and second fastening members 16 and 20 are not necessary.

Prior to, during, or after securing the base portion 12 to the user, the first and/or second ear fasteners 22 and 26 and the visor device can be adjusted so that the first and second ear protector devices 24 and 28 and the visor device comfortably cover and protect the ears and forehead of the user.

Although the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are directed to a device that protects a user from heat generating cosmetology instruments, it is envisioned that the device may be used to protect the user from any number of devices and/or products including, for example, hair blow dryers, hair spray, styling products including gels and sprays, chemicals applied to the scalp and/or hair, and the like.

It will also be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, and are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A protective device usable to protect at least a part of a head of a user, comprising: a base portion disposable around the head of the user to expose hair of the user, the base portion having first and second ends that are detachably attached to each other; a visor detachably attached to the base portion and disposable substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of a forehead of the user; and first and second ear protective devices detachably attached to the base portion, the first and the second ear protective devices being disposable substantially adjacent to ears of the user.
 2. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are made of a washable heat resistant material.
 3. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ends each include a fastening device to attach the first end to the second end so that the base portion is disposed around the head of the user.
 4. The protective device according to claim 3, wherein the fastening device is a hook and loop tape fastener.
 5. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices each include a first side and a second side, the second side detachably attached to the base portion, the second side including a fastening device.
 6. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at least first, second and third fastening portions, the first, second and third fastening portions each being a fastening device.
 7. The protective device according to claim 6, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices each include a fastening device, and wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are detachably attached to the first, second and third fastening portions, respectively.
 8. The protective device according to claim 7, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are adjustable along the first, second and third fastening portions.
 9. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first ear protective device, second ear protective device and the visor is crescent shaped.
 10. The protective device according to claim 1, the protective device further comprising: a neck shield detachably attached to the base portion.
 11. A protective device system for protecting at least a part of a head of a user, the protective device including a base portion, the base portion having first and second ends, first and second ear protective devices, and a visor that are detachably attached to the base portion, comprising: means for disposing the base portion around the head of the user to expose hair of the user; means for disposing the first and the second ear protective devices substantially adjacent to ears of the user; means for disposing the visor on the head of the user so that the visor is substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of a forehead of the user; and means for attaching the first and second ends of the base portion to each other.
 12. A method of attaching a protective device to a head of a user, the protective device including a base portion, the base portion having first and second ends, first and second ear protective devices, and a visor that are detachably attached to the base portion, the method comprising: disposing the base portion around the head of the user to expose hair of the user; disposing the first and the second ear protective devices substantially adjacent to ears of the user; disposing the visor on the head of the user so that the visor is substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of a forehead of the user; and attaching the first and second ends of the base portion to each other.
 13. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 12, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are made of a washable heat resistant material.
 14. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 12, wherein the first and second ends each include a fastening device to attach the first end to the second end so that the base portion is disposed around the head of the user.
 15. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of a user according to claim 14, wherein the fastening device is a hook and loop tape fastener.
 16. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 12, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices each include a first side and a second side, the second side detachably attached to the base portion, the second side including a fastening device.
 17. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 12, wherein the base portion includes at least first, second and third fastening portions, the first, second and third fastening portions being a fastening device.
 18. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 17, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices each include a fastening device, and wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are detachably attached to the first, second and third fastening portions, respectively.
 19. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 18, wherein the visor and the first and second ear protective devices are adjustable along the first, second and third fastening portions, respectively.
 20. The method of attaching the protective device to the head of the user according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the first ear protective device, second ear protective device and the visor is crescent shaped. 